Taiwan Foreign Minister Highlights India’s Key Role in Countering China’s Influence

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung has underscored India’s vital role in the Indo-Pacific region for countering China’s expansionism and the threats to the global rules-based order. He highlighted Taiwan’s increasing cooperation with India in sectors like semiconductors and called for stronger political and trade ties, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among like-minded nations. The deepening economic relationship, marked by significant trade volumes, showcases the mutual commitment to a secure and prosperous future amidst geopolitical challenges.

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung emphasized the crucial role of India in the collective efforts of nations sharing similar values in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in countering China’s assertive expansionism and threats to the rules-based international order. During a press briefing in Taipei ahead of Taiwan’s National Day, Minister Lin discussed the increasing collaboration between Taiwan and countries like India, Japan, Germany, and the United States, especially in the semiconductor sector. He articulated a vision for a robust defense framework in the region amidst growing international concerns regarding China’s actions in the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and South China Sea. Lin remarked on the geopolitical challenges spurred by China’s rise, asserting, “China is challenging the existing rules-based international order”. He advocated for stronger cooperation and dialogue amongst like-minded nations to address these challenges, underscoring India’s special importance in this context. The minister called for the establishment of an overarching cooperation framework to leverage the complementary economies of India and Taiwan. He highlighted mutual concerns over China’s aggressive tactics as a basis for forging stronger ties, specifically pointing to initiatives like Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation’s collaboration with the Tata Group to venture into creating a clean supply chain independent of Chinese influence. Furthermore, Lin encouraged India to attract Taiwanese businesses currently operating in China, suggesting that initiatives such as free trade agreements could facilitate Taiwanese investments. He outlined the multifaceted threats posed by China through its One Belt, One Road initiative, military posturing, and economic pressures, identifying a struggle between distinct geopolitical camps for the future of global governance. In a supplemental interaction, Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Chihchung Wu noted that among nations, only the United States and India possess the capacity to balance China’s ambitions, acknowledging that relations between India and Taiwan have grown significantly despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, which date back to the establishment of representative offices in each capital since 1995. The growing trade relationship is evidenced by a two-way trade volume of $8.2 billion as of 2023, making India Taiwan’s 16th largest trade partner, with substantial exports of $6 billion to India. This ongoing collaboration signifies a mutual endeavor to foster political and trade connectivity and safeguard a rules-based international framework.

The article discusses the current geopolitical context in which Taiwan’s Foreign Minister emphasizes the critical role of India as part of an allied effort among countries sharing democratic values to counteract China’s expansive and authoritarian influence. Taiwan is increasingly focused on forming strategic partnerships with nations like India, especially pertaining to technological collaborations in semiconductors, as a means to create a resilient supply chain independent of China. The backdrop includes rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and concerns regarding China’s territorial ambitions, prompting calls for collective action among like-minded nations.

In conclusion, Taiwan views India as a pivotal ally in the battle against China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Through strategic economic partnerships and collaborative security efforts, both nations are working towards an integrated framework that not only enhances their bilateral relations but also reinforces the rules-based international order. The ongoing dialogue and initiatives underscore a commitment to mutual security and economic resilience in the face of authoritarian challenges.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com